We dog people all have to deal with the subject of “old dogs” sooner or later. It’s not always easy to see that our four-legged friend is no longer the young, agile bouncer, but that one thing or another is becoming more and more difficult. However, there are many things we can do to support our old dog, especially as he ages. They make their lives more comfortable and easier.
I present a number of them here. Even though well-being is always individual, I’m sure your four-legged friend will greatly appreciate a variety of the ideas as needed. And there are no limits to your creativity. Just keep a close eye on your four-legged friend.
1. the right berth
The selection criteria for the sleeping place of our four-legged friend often depend on the taste and home furnishings of the dog owner. However, our dogs do not use their cribs only for the night – many hours a day they sleep, snooze, cuddle and rest in them. Reason enough to make sure that our dogs are well bedded! Especially as dogs get older, they sleep more and need longer rest periods. All the more important that the sleeping place is well chosen.
What I highly recommend you get is an orthopedic dog bed. It is very pleasant and healthy for our dogs to sleep in an orthopedic bed. It adapts to the shape of the body, provides optimum relief for the joints and prevents calluses. The quality of sleep increases significantly. Better rested also means better quality of life. So reason enough to check how your senior is bedded.
2. carrying aid for stairs
Many dogs find it very difficult to climb stairs as they get older. Some four-legged friends can be comfortably carried up the stairs. From a certain size, however, this difficult. For this purpose, carriers have been developed, with which you can support your dog very well when climbing stairs. There are carriers only for supporting the front or back legs. But also those that support the complete dog. You can also use them very well if your dog finds it difficult to stand up or needs help and some support when walking.
You should make sure when choosing a baby carrier that it fits well and is made of a tear-resistant, sturdy material. Furthermore, the material should be soft and not cut in any place. Neoprene is often used, which is also easy to clean and dries quickly.
3. ascending aids and dog ramps
If your dog stands in front of the open trunk and hesitantly steps from one paw to the other – instead of jumping into the car – then it’s time to help him get in and out of the car. Of course, you can lift it into the car. However, depending on the size of the dog, it is more convenient for both sides to resort to a ramp. Always make sure the ramp is wide enough for your dog, not too steep, and non-slip. Additionally, I recommend you always be next to him when he uses the ramp. This way you can secure him in case he loses his balance.
Many four-legged friends lie with you on the sofa, some even in bed. Again, there are two- to three-step small staircases that make it much easier for your dog to climb. Again, please make sure that the steps are non-slip and large enough. Only in this way can your dog use them sure-footedly.
4. paw and claw protection
Paw shoes are still smiled at by many. However, they have nothing to do with a fashion accessory. For some four-legged friends they are indispensable. For example, when dogs can no longer find the necessary grip on slippery floors. They prevent slipping away and thus falls. They also protect paws and claws in dogs that drag their paws. If a four-legged friend only suffers from weakness of the hind legs, shoes on the hind paws may be sufficient. I always recommend you to make sure that the shoes fit perfectly. They should not be too tight, but also not slip. Then they do more harm than good. There are shoes that are made so that you can use them indoors. Likewise, there are special outdoor shoes, which are made of other materials. The soles have a different profile.
5. elevated drinking & feeding place
Especially for larger dogs, an elevated drinking and feeding area is good relief as they age. Your dog does not have to bend over at the front. The load on the joints is evenly distributed. He can take his meal in a comfortable position.
6. dog coat
Dogs tend to get cold more quickly, especially as they get older. Even if they never froze when they were young. This is due to the slowed metabolism. Of course, depending on the density and texture, the fur keeps warm for some time. But our four-legged friends also cool down. The cold attacks especially through the paws, head and abdominal region and it can make our dogs sensitively cold. This is exacerbated if the dog has to walk on a lead and cannot move freely and “warm up”.
Older dogs can no longer withstand adverse weather conditions and cold as much as a young and healthy dog. It is not only the immune system that is weaker. They also cannot retain body heat for as long and thus start to freeze faster. If they then also suffer from a joint condition such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis, HD or ED, or a neurological condition such as Cauda Equina Compression Syndrome, they will benefit from a warming dog coat in wet and cold weather.
7. orthoses & bandages
Orthotics and bandages give your dog stability. They support and relieve joints. Ligaments and tendons weaken with age. For example, many dogs have a tendency to kick through. It is a great help if the joint is supported and guided by means of orthoses or bandages.
There are both movable and joint-fixing products. There are prefabricated as well as custom-made orthoses and supports. I recommend that you seek individual advice from your physiotherapist or orthopedic technician when making your choice.
PS: Are you interested in the topic of “older dogs”?
The subject of senior dogs is absolutely close to my heart. Accompanying older dogs and supporting their health needs is so important and gives them so much quality of life and mobility. If you would like to learn how to accompany your older dog well, gently and naturally in old age, then take a look at my online course portfolio especially for senior dogs.
You have questions? Then please leave me a comment or write to me at support@doggy-fitness.de
All the love, your Tina
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